Strategies for risks presented by obese patients in the ED.

Regardless of whether bariatric services or surgeries are offered at a health care facility, it is important to evaluate every emergency department's capability to appropriately assess, monitor and treat extremely obese patients. As the general population is growing in numbers as well as weight, having the appropriate equipment as well as understanding the special needs of the bariatric, or extremely obese, patient will go along way to avoiding unnecessary frustrations and possibly jeopardizing patient care. This article will assist in identifying possible risks in an ED for patients and suggest strategies for facing these risks.